SIT scans CCTV footage, call records in alleged Badrinath Dham donation irregularities
Uttarakhand Police claimed that CCTV footage showed the alleged suspect, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) employee Pramod Nautiyal, “suspiciously hiding or stealing” cash, gold and silver coins, shaligram stones and presenting envelopes from the temple’s donation counting room.
According to the Uttarakhand Police, the alleged suspect was seen repeatedly wandering between the donation counting room and his office, leading investigators to suspect that the stolen items were stored there.
“The accused, Pramod Nautiyal, is seen suspiciously hiding or stealing Rs 500 and Rs 100 currency notes, as well as gold and silver coins, shaligram stones and votive envelopes estimated to contain Rs 10 to 12 lakh. He is also seen going back and forth between his office and the counting room two to three times while doing so. Police suspect him after stealing money, gold and silver coins, etc. during the counting. The Uttarakhand Police said, “This sequence of events occurred on July 2. “It was also observed in the CCTV footage,” he said.
The SIT expanded the scope of the investigation by reviewing CCTV footage of additional dates and analyzing call details records of the suspended employee.
“On this basis, SIT is now scanning CCTV footage dated June 25 and 29. SIT has also started examining Nautiyal’s call records,” police said. he added.
The investigation stems from allegations of irregularities detected during the counting of cash offerings made by devotees at the Badrinath temple on July 2. Allegedly, a preliminary investigation revealed that the money was removed from the counting area in violation of established procedures. The FIR in the case was registered at Badrinath Police Station on the complaint of Temple Officer-in-Charge Yudhvir Pushpwan, BKTC, and his statement was also recorded by the SIT. As part of the investigation, the statements of other BKTC officials, including CCTV control officer Panwar and Harender Kothari, who were present during the counting of donations, were also recorded.
Meanwhile, Nautiyal approached the Uttarakhand High Court challenging his suspension and an FIR was filed against him. The matter was heard by Justice Alok Mehra, who directed the BKTC to file its reply. The next hearing will be held on July 16.
The case is currently being investigated simultaneously by the police, SIT, BKTC’s departmental investigation committee and a high-level committee headed by Garhwal Commissioner.
